rjg@sialis.com (Robert J. Granvin) (11/17/90)
From: rjg@sialis.com (Robert J. Granvin) [Crossposted for distribution] Clearly, one of the more difficult requests posted here in a long time. I don't like to make anything too easy. :-) The Southern Minnesota Wing Ghost Squadron has in its posession, one complete (with many spare parts of certain types) P-51C mustang with Merlin engine. The aircraft has been in various stages of restoration for the past couple of years, mostly in the areas of inventory and other "administrative" work. The fuselage, however, is coming along. Without getting into the details of what has occurred with the previous owners of the aircraft, we are searching for replacement wings. When shipped, the wings were apparently too large by someone's standard, and they were (sit down for this one) cut in half with a chainsaw. Several options are available to us. We can replace them with P-51D wings, which will require structural modifications. It would also require that the aircraft be permanently (probably) licenseable as only "Experimental." Secondly, we _can_ repair the wings. The drawback is that repaired wings will never have the capabilities of the original. Not being able to bring the aircraft to its full capabilities would be a shame. Repair is also an extremely expensive option. The third option is to attempt to replace the wings. Certainly there's not even the glimmer of a hope that someone would just happen to have a set of wings sitting in their basement. Even D wings are difficult to locate. But I'm looking for leads and possibilities, remote or not, to supplement those we already have. Any names, places, or missile coordinates of any, even remote, possibilities would be interesting to hear about. Anyone have the capability of being a hero (and help get the only flyable P-51C back in the air), and have any thoughts to share? (Of course, tax deductible donations to the aircraft would be appreciated too, but aren't they always? :-)